Lightweight Champ

Lightweight Champ

Lugging a vacuum from room to room, floor to floor is enough to make you say, "I can live with those crumbs!" But the Electrolux Intensity ($299) takes the torture out of toting. It weighs just 16 pounds (about a third less than a typical upright), but don't let that fool you: The vacuum sucked up sand, talc, oatmeal, and sugar better than any other model in our tests. Plus, its handle folds down for compact storage, and a quick press of the rewind button slurps up the retractable cord. The Electrolux's downside is that it doesn't come with attachments. Electrolux Intensity EL5020; 800-896-9759, electroluxusa.com.

Light and Loaded

Light and Loaded

If you can't live without your crevice tool, check out the Dyson Slim ($470), which also weighs 16 pounds. The Slim cleaned almost as well as the Electrolux — and it comes with an extendable hose, lint brush, and other goodies. Added bonus: Its rounded base swivels, so cornering is a breeze. Dyson Slim DC18; 866-693-9766, dyson.com.